Oracle Confusion
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While theorists tend to agree that Link's Awakening remains a sequel to ALttP, as it was originally intended, it is still the source of an interesting debate. When a full Linked Oracle Series (Oracle of Ages, Oracle of Seasons) is completed, the credits end with a shot of Link sailing away from the land in a one-man sailboat. The opening LA scene showcases Link battling a storm in a ship. Some fans correlate these events and conclude that LA is the sequel to the Oracle Series, and that Link's adventures in Holodrum and Labrynna constitute the "quest for englightenment" mentioned as the basis of Link's travels.
Why must LA be the sequel to ALttP?
The primary argument for LA's placement is one of intent. LA was the fourth canonical Zelda produced, and was undoubtedly a sequel to a past adventure, even touted as AlttP continuation at the time of its release. It has much in common with AlttP including art styles (official and in game), enemies, and gameplay. There is little doubt that LA was produced to be the continuation of the previous years Zelda blockbuster.
Of course, for those who do not respect developer intent, there is a canonical argument. The storyline of LA's prequel must meet a number of storyline requirements found in the prolouge of the LA instruction manual;
- Though [Link] fufilled the Hyrulian prophecy of the Legendary Hero
AlttP's Link fulfilled the prophecy of the Great Cataclysm. OoX's Link fulfilled no prophecy.
- Destroyed the evil tyrant Ganon
ALttP's Ganon was the Tyrant ruler of the Dark World. OoX's Ganon only lived for 2 minutes.
- "Who knows what threats may arise from Ganon's ashes?" the restless people murmured
The people of AlttP's Hyrule knew of Ganon and his passing. The people of OoX's Hyrule did not.
Further evidence can be taken from Kodai no Sekiban, the Japanese AlttP sequel. In this game, Sahasrahla and Zelda needed to track down a new hero, as their AlttP ally had left Hyrule on a journey of enlightenment.
Could LA be the sequel to both the Oracles and AlttP?
A common attempt at reconciling these differences is the suggestion that the same Link is involved in all 4 games (Timeline: AlttP/OoS/OoA/LA). This could be refuted by OoX's princess Zelda who, upon meeting Link, introduces herself.
- My name is Zelda. You must be Link. I knew it at first glance. (OoS, if played second)
- My name is Zelda. You are Link, right? I knew it at first glance. (OoA, if played second)
Had OoX been a direct sequel to ALttP, its principle character would probably have no need of introduction. However, it could be just that she is confused or making sure that it is Link - after all, in OoA she is placed in a cell in the badly-lit Black Tower, and in OoS, he has just been fighting with a large crowd of Moblins. Furthermore, some characters dress similarly to Link, and she could have been making sure he wasn't possessed like Impa was.
Can there be a perfect Oracle placement?
For a particular spot in the timeline to accommodate the Oracle series, it should meet two main conditions: Ganon must be dead, and the Triforce must be whole in Hyrule Castle. This occurs at least twice in the series.
OoX may occur shortly after TAoL. Both involve an enemy effort to resurrect a dead Ganon and TAoL ends with the reuniting of the Triforce.
OoX may occur shortly after ALttP. They share stylistic elements, similar items, and ALttP easily meets the "Dead Ganon, Whole Triforce" condition.
OoX may even occur shortly after TWW, as it too ends with a dead Antagonist and a whole Triforce (though it should be noted that the opening movies of both OoX games show a castle that is in a field, not underwater.)
True canonical placement of the Oracle games is likely impossible, as the games can be played and linked in either order, producing two eventualities in which Link fights Twinrova and then Ganon either in Labrynna or Holodrum.
